Racing Engineering confirm Villa

The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by team boss Alfonso de Orleans-Borbon and attended by a number of dignitaries from the regional government of Asturias.

Villa, who was a season long front runner in the Spanish Formula Three series until a multiple car accident in the final round took him out of the running, is likely to be the youngest ever competitor in GP2, having recently turned 18.

Many observers feel that Villa will be in for a tough season, despite the Spaniard attending most rounds of this year's competition to observe the team in action - Villa's first ever run in a GP2 car was just one month ago in testing, and he will be competing against drivers with one year's experience in the series under their belts.

"We are aware that Javi's first year will be tough and he needs to learn," de Orleans acknowledged, "but we are convinced that he was the right choice. He is a very big talent, a rough diamond that needs to be polished now.

"His goal is to make it into the top 12 during this year, and I am convinced he won't disappoint us."

Villa was understandably excited about the step up to the series, albeit realistic about his aims for the season: "The goal for my first year in GP2 is to gather knowledge and experience, of not only the car but also most racetracks, which will be new for me.

"I will compete against drivers who already raced in GP2 or have years of experience in similar championships, so I need to work hard and there is so much for me to learn, but I think I am ready for this step."

Racing Engineering did not make any comment on who will be Villa's teammate for 2006.